Dylan Michael Aukerman

Of Spring Arbor, son of Christopher (Shannon) Aukerman and Desiree (Brent) Bartley was born September 8, 1992, in Jackson, Michigan, and was tragically taken in a traffic fatality the morning of October 14, 2020.  Dylan is survived by his loving parents; daughter, Peyton; maternal grandfather, Wesley McMurtrie; paternal grandmother, June Stevens; and an abundance of aunts, uncles, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Carl Aukerman, brother, Colton, and grandmother, Rosalie McMurtrie.  He attended grades K-12 in the Western School District, graduating in 2010.  Following graduation, Dylan worked in various trades, exhibiting the solid work ethic instilled in him by his father. He enjoyed working outside and found satisfaction in a job well done. Ultimately, he found his perfect fit at Concord Excavating where he thrived under the mentoring and direction of Ken Williams. Dylan was driven by his desire to make his parents proud.  A recent joy for Dylan was the opportunity to work side by side with his father and to share a mutual admiration and respect for their skills and aptitudes.  His relationship with his mom was extraordinary. No matter what, she was always his safe haven; she would go to the ends of the earth to ensure his happiness and success. Dylan worked hard and played hard.  He loved nothing more than the morning dew as he sat in the woods waiting for the ultimate buck to cross his path.  The thrill of the chase was his greatest excitement.  Dylan loved everything to do with hunting, fishing, and trapping, and he shared this passion with many special friends and family. He has passed along some of his best traits to his beautiful daughter, Peyton - his sense of humor, his love of animals, a mile wide smile, and a variety of humorous facial expressions.  Death ends a life, but it doesn’t end a relationship.  Dylan will live on in Peyton forever.  Dylan said it best his last Father’s Day, “I’m a blessed man.” Dylan’s life in numbers may have been short, but he lived each and every day to the fullest.  Just a few days ago, Dylan wrote, “It’s not a bad life. Taking a few minutes today to remind myself I have many things to be happy about.”  Dylan’s visitation will be at Watson Funeral Chapel in Jackson on Monday, October 19, from 2-4 pm and from 6-8 pm.  A service officiated by Pastor Melissa Claxton, will be held on Tuesday, October 20, at 1 pm at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. For those that would like to honor Dylan’s memory, a fund has been established at CP Financial Credit Union for Peyton’s future needs. Godspeed, Dylan.  Our hearts are crushed, but you will live on in our stories, memories, and every sunset we see.  

Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dylan Michael Aukerman, please visit our floral store.